***

NAKASANDAL ako sa balikat ni David habang nasa biyahe kami patungo sa opisina ni Mrs. Ezra Kiyami—ni Mamá. I think I could call her that, right?

We decided to take a taxi since we were unfamiliar with the address. David could schedule a meeting with her with the premise that it was for a charity event. He had been preparing everything on his way here to the Philippines.

Sobrang nakatataba ng puso ang ginagawa ni David para sa akin. I was speechless with all the lengths my best friend would go through to make things successful. To make it more convincing, he was wearing his long sleeves and slacks in this humid weather as if he were going to attend a meeting.

David managed to locate her office. Apparently, they had a charity engagement with the company. Iyon nga lang, kahit alam ni David na hinahanap ko si Mamá, wala naman kami ideya na may iba na siyang pamilya. I mean . . . it was't surprising, yet I was left in the dark not to know anything.

Pagdating namin sa harap ng isang gusali, naunang bumaba si David at inalalayan ako sa pagbaba ng taxi.

"Are you ready?" tanong ni David nang marahan na pinisil ang aking kamay.

I nodded at him. Nagpatianod na ako sa kaniyang paghila patungo sa gusali. The moment we entered the building, we were welcomed by the usual corporate scent. Kakaunti lang ang mga naglalakad patungo sa mga elevator.

So, this was my mother's world . . .

Lumpait kami sa reception at agad na tumayo ang receptionist.

"Hi, I have an appointment with Miss Kiyami," ani David.

"Good morning, Sir. May I please have your name and I.D.," magalang na sabi ng babae.

"Of course." Lumingon sa akin si David nang bitiwan ang aking kamay. "Take a seat for now. It might take a while."

"Okay," tumango-tango ako at saka nagtungo sa katapat ng reception area.

Habang naghihintay kay David, kinuha ko ang aking smartphone at nakita ang email ni Rome. I felt giddy and excited that I wanted to respond immediately.

***

From: Rome
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Hey, our birthdays coming soon!

What's your plan?

Rome :)

***

I was stunned. Rome was right. We share the same birthday nga pala, and it's approaching fast. I had completely forgotten about it since I focused on locating my mother. I didn't expect that Rome was free then, that we could exchange email after email.

It was very comfortable chatting with Rome. I felt so at ease with our every exchange.

***

To: Rome <[email protected]>
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Well, my bestfriend arrived to visit me and we're going to try and look for my mother around. A little dinner siguro. Ikaw ba?

***

From: Rome
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Nice! I still don't know yet, but probably go home. I don't know.

What else do you think is fun to do?

Rome :)

***

To: Rome <[email protected]>
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Home? Bakit? Are you not from here?

Hmm... Hindi ko rin alam kung ano ang masayang gawin ngayon. Kung makita ko na si Mama, baka umuwi na rin ako sa amin.

~ Juliette

***

From: Rome
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Haha I mean, I stayed in the campus dorm so basically I have to go back home. I'll be with my family.

I wish you would see your Mom. I think that would be the best Christmas gift a person could ever receive, right?

Rome :)

***

Naupo si David sa tabi ko at inaayos niya ang kaniyang mga I.D. at passport pabalik sa kaniyang dala na bag. This was why he wanted me to sit while waiting. They were going to verify his identity first and he had all Spanish documents.

Then there was me, who had to remain silent about my name as my passport and license had my real name and the crest of the la Cerda family. It was the only proof I had that bore proof that I was my father's daughter despite being an illegitimate child.

The government knew, but society didn't.

***

To: Rome <[email protected]>
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Ah! Of course! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and birthday rin! Ano ba'ng wish mo this year?

Oo, sana makausap ko na talaga siya. If ever that happens, it would be the first Christmas I would be spending with her :)

~ Juliette

***

From: Rome
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

If I told you I don't have any wishes this Christmas/Birthday, would you believe that?

But I guess, if you really want an answer, I want my Chevy back.

Rome :)

***

To: Rome <[email protected]>
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Hm... Would it be funny if I say that I also don't have any other wishes right now? 😅 I'm kind of deadset to meet my mother. Parang it's now or never.

~Juliette

***

It was the truth. Pakiramdam ko, hangga't hindi ko nakakausap si Mamá ay hindi pa 'ko puwedeng maging masaya dahil hindi pa ako kumpleto.

I had more questions than answers.

***

From: Rome
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

If that's the case, let's just hope for the better and good times ahead.

Rome :)

***

Hey Juliette,

I've heard that there's a party going to happen later tonight. Are you coming? I hope you will come and if possible for us to meet personally?

Rome :)

***

To: Rome <[email protected]>
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Ahm... I was thinking nga of attending pero hindi ko rin kasi sure. May plans kasi ako mamaya. But we shall see. Who knows, we might bump each other, 'di ba? Malay natin, makilala mo ako agad haha

~ Juliette

***

From: Rome
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

No worries!

Do what you need to do, but it would be nice to see you there. . . Update na lang kita.

Rome :)

***

From: Rome
Subject: Project CommuniKATE 1

Class done!

Going back to the dorm now. Will prepare to go to the party.

I really hope to see you there. Or not.

Rome :)

***

"Mr. Carlos . . . " Napatingala ako sa tumawag at ganoon din si David. "We're sorry for the wait. I'll take you both to the madame's office."

Naunang tumayo si David sa akin at nilahad niya ang kaniyang kamay.

Napalunok ako at tinitigan ang kamay at tumingala sa kaniya bago muling bumalik sa kaniyang kamay. I raised my right hand and softly placed it on to his.

Kinakabahan ako sa gagawin namin but it was time to settle the score with my biological mother . . . once and for all.

***

Don't forget to check out Imcrazyyouknow's Sole Mate: Rome for Rome's POV!

JO ELLE

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